Greater Things

Jesus said to his followers: “. . . if you have faith in me, you will do the same things that I am doing. You will do even greater things, now that I am going back to the Father.” (John 14:12)

September 2017 - Volume 16- Issue Nine

Arthur Mennonite Church 710 East Park Street, Arthur, IL 61911 217-543-2781 arthurmennonite.org

The Bible is an incredible book. I know it goes without saying but when taking it as a whole and not just tearing it to figurative pieces as one preparing a sermon or lesson can tend to do it is a wonderful book with beautiful stories of redemption. Some of these can go completely misunderstood without the context of the whole or especially the context of Jesus.

Growing up experiencing the curriculum on Sundays when I was in the primary department of Arthur Mennonite Church I was exposed to the stories of scripture through a quarterly that, if I recall correctly, was taken from the Picture Bible. I remember seeing images of the incredible events that drive the narrative of the Bible and those pictures allowed me to make sense of the basics of the story. I later learned that there was a whole ‘Bible’ (I place this in quotes because it is not intended to replace the use of accurate translations for bible study) filled with these stories with their illustrations that was the Picture Bible. I can't help but believe that gave me a good base understanding of the timeline of scripture that helps me relate passages and stories to one another today.

Also important in my understanding of the story of the Bible was a particular course taken during my time of training in DEO. During that time my team had an abbreviated sampling of Hesston College’s Biblical

Literature course. The focus was the heilsgeschichte, translated roughly as salvation history. This course taught us to look at the narrative of scripture and to see God's hand in leading his people back to him.

Finally, while I think having the Picture Bible would be a great way of teach my children the stories of the Bible I have stumbled upon a new adaptation of the same work. The Action Bible refreshes the work of the Picture Bible with more modern and vivid images. It takes the stories of scripture and lays the out in a comic book fashion. It is actually really well reviewed by adults who enjoy it for themselves and my

children very much enjoy it themselves. I'm considering as well how I can incorporate it into the curriculum for our third, fourth, and fifth graders in the primary department.

If you ever find yourself confused by your Bible, I encourage you to find a new fresh way to looks at its broader stories and narratives. Some use different translations while other may listen to dramatic readings. These different methods of ingesting the story of the Bible can be invaluable in providing context for passages that are otherwise confusing. Ultimately, I've found that they reveal to me different characteristics of Jesus as I hold the whole story up against his glory.

The Narrative of Scripture From Jeff Marner, Minister of Discipling

Mennonite Church USA

Minister of Outreach: Lamar Miller

Minister of Youth and Worship: Ashley Litwiller

Minister of Administration & Community Life: Glen Rhodes

Minister of Discipling: Jeff Marner

First Fruit Giving Giving God Our Best

Stewardship Attendance 7/23/17 $2,239 100 7/30/17 $3,060* 124 8/6/17 $5,141 119 8/13/17 $3,006 123 8/20/17 $2,180 137

*5th Sunday offering to PHP

New in the Library

A Practical Guide to Culture

Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today’s World

Do you feel like you are fighting a losing battle for the hearts and minds of your kids?

Something has changed. We all sense it. The cultural pressure is increasing, especially on our kids. But even in a world of ever-present screens, gender-identity questions, and addictions, kids can have clarity and confidence. We must help them. In this honest and practical guide for parents and Christian leaders, John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkle explore questions such as:

- What unseen undercurrents are shaping twenty-first-century youth culture?

- Why do so many kids struggle with identity?

- How do we talk to kids about LGBT issues?

- How can we steer kids away from substance abuse and other addictions?

- How can we ground students in the biblical story and empower them to change the world?

This inspiring book will empower you to help your kids influence the culture, rather than let the culture change them.

Available now for checkout in the bookrack!

Truth We commit ourselves to tell the truth. To give a simple yes or no, and to avoid the

swearing of oaths. Article 20 from Confession of Faith

in a Mennonite Perspective Summary Statement

Personal Profile

Delmar Schrock Delmar and his wife Linda have two children, Michelle (18) and

Cameron (16). What is your job and what does it consist of? I am self employed, delivering cabinets and furniture manufactured by the Amish in and around the Arthur area.

What is your favorite verse and/or book of the Bible? Verse: Romans 8:37-39

Is there a time in your life when you have felt God's presence stronger than at any other time? Following the birth of Cameron, not knowing if or when we were going to be able to bring him home.

What hobbies do you enjoy? Golfing & Hunting

What is your favorite song or hymn that we sing at church? Awesome God

What would you say is your favorite meal? Steak

Do you have a favorite inspirational quote? The real opportunity for success lies within the person and not the job - Zig Ziglar

What is your best piece of advice? Regardless of the situation you are facing, always be yourself.

Missing Pages

If you have been a regular reader of Greater Things for the past 10+ years then you might notice we are short a few pages this month.

Going forward we have decided to focus our efforts in Greater Things on “things” that you won’t normally read anywhere else at AMC. If you can find it in the bulletin you likely won’t find it here.

We will continue to highlight an article from The Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective each month however it will be from the Summary Statement. The Articles in their entirety are available online and at AMC.

Your submissions continue to be welcome and as always your feedback is always appreciated!

If you didn’t notice missing pages this month, well never mind then. :-)

~Melissa Schrock